The City of Ekurhuleni has terminated the employment of suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief of police for operations and specialised services, Julius Doctor Mkhwanazi.

In a statement issued by Ekurhuleni head of communications, marketing and tourism Phakamile Mbengashe, the City said City Manager Kagiso Lerutla took the decision after considering a submission from the Human Resources Department, internal disciplinary proceedings against Mkhwanazi, and evidence presented before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

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“The City considered, among other factors, the seriousness of the matters, Mr Mkhwanazi’s seniority within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department, the connection between the allegations and his official responsibilities, and the resulting impact on the integrity and reputation of the municipality,” the statement reads.

The City said Mkhwanazi’s continued incarceration after being denied bail in connection with a Schedule 6 murder charge also contributed to concerns about his prolonged absence and the prospects of concluding the internal disciplinary proceedings within a reasonable period.

“With the duration of the criminal proceedings uncertain, the City also had to consider the EMPD’s urgent need for stable leadership, an active and visible command presence, and ethical leadership that strengthens organisational morale and public confidence,” the statement reads.

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Mkhwanazi denies claims

Mkhwanazi has denied allegations levelled against him before the Madlanga Commission and disputed a number of claims concerning his conduct.

During his evidence, he denied having any involvement in the alleged kidnapping of EMPD spokesperson Kelebogile Thepa.

He also denied allegations relating to the use of blue lights, including claims that he installed blue lights on vehicles linked to Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala or authorised municipal branding or registration of the vehicles.

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In June, Mkhwanazi told the commission that he believed false allegations were being made against him and that previous witnesses had provided misleading evidence in an attempt to discredit him.

Murder charge and bail refusal

Sister publication Brakpan Herald reported that Mkhwanazi and his five co-accused appeared before the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on September 15 for the decision on their bail applications in connection with the 2022 murder of businessman Emmanuel Mbense.

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Presiding officer Colin Mashego denied bail to all six accused on September 16 and postponed the matter until November 24 for further investigations.

Lawyers representing Mkhwanazi and his co-accused said they would challenge the decision to deny them bail.

The City said the ongoing criminal proceedings, Mkhwanazi’s continued court appearances and delays in the internal disciplinary proceedings had to be considered against the EMPD’s need for stable leadership and an active command presence.

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“Having assessed the totality of the circumstances and the City’s obligations as a public institution, the City Manager determined that termination was necessary to protect the legitimate interests of the municipality and the communities it serves,” the City said.

It stressed that the termination is an employment decision and that the criminal charges against Mkhwanazi remain before the courts.

Political reaction

DA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane welcomed the decision, describing the dismissal as ‘long overdue’.

Rasilingwane accused Mkhwanazi of having faced repeated allegations of corruption, misconduct and mismanagement and said the dismissal should be followed by further action against officials implicated in wrongdoing.

Mkhwanazi is yet to comment on the City’s decision to terminate his employment at the time of publication.